BLACK STARS ARRIVE IN JAPAN AHEAD OF FRIDAY’S FRIENDLY AGAINST SAMURAI BLUE
Toyota City, Japan – 12 November 2025
The senior national team of Ghana, the Black Stars, arrived in Japan on Sunday, 10th November 2025, ahead of their international friendly match against the Samurai Blue of Japan, scheduled for Friday, 14th November 2025 at Toyota Stadium.
The team, led by head coach Otto Addo, is in Japan as part of a two-match Asian tour designed to strengthen squad cohesion and assess tactical readiness ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Ghana is also set to face South Korea in a second friendly after the Japan encounter.
The Black Stars have since commenced training in Toyota City, with sessions focused on recovery, sharpness, and tactical drills tailored for Friday’s clash. The technical team is expected to use the matches to integrate new players and evaluate form and fitness levels across the squad.
The 23-man squad features a blend of experienced internationals and fresh faces. Notably, Derrick Kohn returns to the side following an impressive club season, while several key players are unavailable due to injury or club-related obligations.
On the Japanese side, the Samurai Blue will be without goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a fractured wrist during club duty. Despite this, Japan is expected to field a strong lineup for the high-profile fixture.
Kickoff is set for 19:30 local time on Friday, with live coverage expected across major sports channels in both Ghana and Japan. The match is part of the Kirin Challenge Cup, a long-running international football series hosted by the Japan Football Association.
The Ghana Football Association has encouraged Ghanaians in Japan and around the world to support the team as they continue their preparations for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.